Each year, as new Griffons arrive on campus before classes start, they participate in Griffon Buddies, a service learning partnership with the St. Joseph School District. Griffon Buddies is part of the Griffon Edge new student orientation program, and it brings new Griffons into the local elementary school classroom to volunteer in various ways. It’s designed to build connections with local schools while giving new Griffons an opportunity to serve and make a difference when they first arrive on campus. The new Griffons read with students, play games and help with schoolwork while making new friends and giving teachers a platform to talk about the importance of getting a college education.